The best slow cookers come in various options, each with unique features and benefits. They allow your food to bubble away over low heat while you kick back and relax, making them great for busy families and those who can never find enough time to cook. With a range of slow cookers, including manual and electric operation, you can feel empowered to select the one that best suits your needs.
The first thing to consider when selecting a slow cooker for your home is how many people you want to cater to. If you know that you’ll make family-sized portions regularly opt for a larger cooker to get the most out of your money. If you’re only looking to make meals for one or two people, then a cooker with a smaller quart size will get the job done and take up less space on your kitchen countertop.
Selecting a digital slow cooker for your home means you can benefit from automatic features, like leaving it unattended once you’ve set it off. The keep-warm function ensures that your food stays at a safe serving temperature until you're ready to eat. At the same time, the automatic shut-off feature turns off the cooker when the cooking time is complete, preventing overcooking and ensuring your food is ready when you are.
While manual slow cookers lack a built-in timer and require manual switching between heat settings, they are significantly more affordable. If you prefer to keep a watchful eye over your cooking or are on a budget, a manual slow cooker would still make an excellent kitchen companion, making you feel economical.
Check out the best rice cookers and toaster ovens for more cooking appliances to make dinnertime easier.
The best slow cookers we recommend in 2024
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The best multi-functional slow cooker
This kitchen appliance offers various cooking functions, including steam, convection, and air frying. One thing that stood out to our reviewer is its versatile design—the lid opens upwards to the left, revealing a cooking pot and a crisper tray inside.
The Speedi boasts ten cooking functions, including Speedi Meals, Steam Air Fry, Grill, Dehydrate, Sear/Sauté, and Slow Cook. It also features two cooking modes, Rapid Cooker or Air Fry/Hob, which can be easily switched using the SmartSwitch on the lid. The standout feature is the ability to cook whole meals with grains, pasta, liquids, and vegetables in the pot, while simultaneously crisping proteins on the raised tray using a combination of steam and convection cooking.
Our reviewer found that the Speedi has a sleek look compared to traditional air fryers, and it's more compact than many multicookers. What's impressive is that the exterior remains cool to the touch even after extended cooking sessions, and the ventilation fan releases steam in a satisfying way during the cooking process.
However, they did face some challenges, such as difficulty in removing the crisper tray while it was hot. The handle can be hard to reach, especially when the tray is crowded with food. Despite this, the Ninja Speedi offers a wide range of cooking options and has enough capacity to fit various types of food, including a whole chicken.
Read more: Ninja SF301 Speedi Multi-Cooker review
The best budget slow cooker
Although it's very small, this slow cooker pretty much gets the job done, without being expensive. And because it's so small, it is very easy to clean, store and transport, although it doesn't have a clip-on lid. It is very easy to use thanks to it being a manual slow cooker, as the dial only has three settings to choose from: off, low and high, so it's incredibly simple, perfect for beginners too.
Our reviewer found it to be a great little device that is perfect for making meals for a single individual or for cooking side dishes and dips at a party. It would be equally as perfect for college dorms, to cook individual meals that you don't have to stand over at the stove, so some studying could actually get done. Overall, a basic but effective slow cooker that gets the job done for very little money.
Read more: Crock-Pot SCR200 Manual Slow Cooker review
The best slow cooker for large groups
The Crock-Pot SCCPVL610 is an inexpensive slow cooker that provides you with six quarts of space so you have enough capacity to create meals for large groups.
You can set the timer on the pot anywhere from 30 minutes to 20 hours in 30-minute increments. In our testing, there was no beeping to indicate that the food had reached the six-hour timer, so you will need to keep an eye on the digital display to know when the food will be done or set an alarm on your phone or oven if you need an audible alert.
A feature we really liked was that this device automatically switched to the keep-warm setting once the timer had ended. In comparison, most manual-setting slow cookers do not offer an automatic warm feature and require you to turn on the warming setting yourself.
In our evaporation test, this device only lost 6 percent of water when running on high for 4 hours and 5 percent when running on low for 4 hours. These were some of the best results, which means that your food isn't likely to get dried out during cooking.
Read more: Crock-Pot SCCPVL610 Cooker & Steamer review
The best premium slow cooker
As with most Breville products, this slow cooker has a very aesthetically pleasing, modern design, that looks stylish and attractive in a kitchen. It also has great functionality, with a digital screen and several functions, allowing you to have more control over the cooking process. And it gives great results; at the time, our reviewer found it cooked the best rice out of all the slow cookers she had tested. It is big enough to make food for 4-6 people, and cooks food remarkably quickly for a slow cooker.
Of course, being a Breville, it is much pricier than some of the other models in this list. But best of all, it is very easy to clean. During testing, hardly anything stuck to the bottom of the pot when cooking, which made cleaning easier and faster, with no need for prolonged soaking.
Read more: Breville Fast Slow Pro Multi Cooker review
The best basic slow cooker
This is an affordable choice for those looking for a simple, basic slow cooker that will get the job done. This six-quart slow cooker has enough capacity to cook food for up to seven people depending on your preferred portions size, but this simplicity and capacity makes it a great choice for families or households who just require a basic slow cooker.
It's very easy to use because the manual dial only has three heat settings: low, high and warm, however this isn't an automatic keep warm setting that will kick in once your food is done cooking; you will have to engage the warm heat setting yourself.
This device performed very well in evaporation tests, losing only 8% of its moisture when set on high for four hours and only 4% when on low for four hours. Only the Crock-Pot SCCPVL610 retained water better. Meaning that this slow cooker should keep your food from drying out during the cooking process.
The design is also extremely simple and not particularly eye-catching, although this may be preferable for many.
Read more here: Nesco SC-6-25 Slow Cooker review
How we test the best slow cookers for this guide
As we evaluated slow cookers, we considered several factors. We heavily weighed the value-for-money aspect and considered factors such as size, additional functions, customer reviews, and durability of materials to determine this. We also looked into whether the stoneware and lids were dishwasher-safe. The versatility of stoneware pots and the ability of select models to be used on the stovetop or in the oven were also considered.
We found that slow cookers with glass lids are preferable, allowing you to monitor your food without releasing heat. We also noted that oval-shaped cookers can more easily accommodate large or long cuts of meat and offer more cooking flexibility. Some models come with clip-on lids and easy-grip stay-cool handles, making them convenient for traveling.
Price & Availability: We compared costs and features, evaluating the price of the slow cooker with its capacity, cooking settings, and programmable functionalities. We also explored the availability of slow cookers in various retail outlets and online platforms.
First Impressions & Setup: We assessed the slow cooker's packaging, protection during transit, and the clarity and simplicity of the setup process, including the comprehensibility of the user manual.
Design: We tested the slow cooker's capacity and shape, programmable controls, lid and sealing mechanism, and additional design features that enhance functionality and convenience.
Performance: We evaluated the slow cooker's ability to consistently cook food evenly and thoroughly, its versatility in preparing various dishes, temperature control, and performance in accommodating specialized cooking needs.
Care & Maintenance: We assessed the appliance's ease of cleaning, durability, and longevity and reviewed the manufacturer's care guidelines and maintenance recommendations.
Slow cooker FAQs
How much does a slow cooker cost?
When you are looking for a slow cooker, you may come across many expensive options that cost over $150. However, you don't necessarily need to spend that much to get a quality device. To help you find the best slow cookers, we have reviewed products priced between $15 and $100 on Amazon and listed them here for you to compare. We made sure to include options for everyone at various price points.
The more expensive units are typically larger and come with a digital display, along with extra cooking options such as automatic stay warm, digital timer, or delay start. However, during our search, we found some good digital options for less.
The most affordable slow cooker we found is the Crock-Pot 3-Quart Manual Slow Cooker. Smaller, manual models like this one usually cost less. If you need something bigger, the Crock-Pot 4.5-quart Round Slow Cooker is only $25 - making it a great choice for families on a budget.
What is the difference between manual and digital slow cookers?
One of the key advantages of digital slow cookers is the ability to set timers. This allows you to leave your cooker unattended for long periods without worrying about overcooking your food. Many people appreciate the convenience of being able to toss ingredients into the pot in the morning and return home to a delicious meal. On the other hand, manual slow cookers will continue cooking at the set temperature until you turn them off. If you can't check on your food regularly, it might end up overcooked and tough. Digital slow cookers solve this problem by allowing you to set timers and automatically switch to a "keep-warm" setting once the timer is up. This ensures that your meal remains warm and perfectly cooked, regardless of how late you return home.
Manual slow cookers are often cheaper and offer the same heat settings as digital models. For certain dishes, precision isn't necessary. For example, slow-cooking certain cuts of meat on low heat makes them more tender, so leaving them for longer won't drastically affect the outcome. However, when it comes to grains such as rice or lentils, overcooking can ruin the dish. In such cases, a digital slow cooker is more suitable.
While it's possible to find affordable digital slow cookers, those on a tight budget might struggle to find one as inexpensive as manual cookers. Our top pick, the Crock-Pot 4.5-quart Round Slow Cooker, is a manual model priced at around $20. The cheapest digital slow cooker we found is the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Slow Cooker, priced at around $40. If size is a concern, it's worth noting that most small-capacity cookers are manual, and it's generally not recommended to leave a slow cooker unattended for long periods of time regardless of its capabilities.
What size slow cooker do I need?
In our testing, we focused on slow cookers of various sizes. The smallest one we tested was the Crock-Pot Mini Casserole Slow Cooker, which has a 2.5-quart capacity. On the other hand, the largest one we reviewed was the Black+Decker Digital Slow Cooker, which has a capacity of 7 quarts.
For college students, small families, and couples, we recommend choosing a slow cooker between 1 and 3 quarts in size. The 2.5-quart Crock-Pot Mini is ideal for serving 1-3 people or for preparing dips, sides, or appetizers for events. The Crock-Pot 3-Quart Manual Slow Cooker is a great option for college dorms and small groups, providing enough portions for singles for most of the week or for larger groups when friends come over.
For an average-sized family, a slow cooker between 3 and 6 quarts is recommended. Most slow cooker recipes are designed for a standardized 6-quart capacity, making this size ideal for easy cooking without the need for complicated measurements. Our pick for families on a budget is the 4.5-quart Crock-Pot Round Slow Cooker, which can serve around five people and is also great for leftovers.
If you frequently host events or cook for large groups, we suggest opting for a slow cooker that is 6 quarts or larger. The Black+Decker Digital Slow Cooker, which has a capacity of 7 quarts, is perfect for making 8+ servings and is ideal for events or potlucks.
What can I cook in my slow cooker?
Slow cookers are praised for their versatility in cooking a wide variety of foods, including meats, briskets, stews, soups, desserts, and oatmeal. Numerous websites dedicated to slow cooker recipes, such as the Crock-Pot site, offer options for all courses, ingredients, and cuisines. From vegan slow-cooker mac and cheese to a delicious duck ragu, there are recipes to cater to different dietary needs and preferences.
The Food Network site also features over 1000 slow cooker recipes including a berry cobbler, Thai red curry chicken, and peppermint hot chocolate. Even if your slow cooker doesn't come with recipes, a quick Google search will provide you with countless options. It seems like there are very few restrictions on what you can cook in a slow cooker!
Can you place raw meat in a slow cooker?
When using a slow cooker, it's best to avoid cooking large, raw pieces of meat due to the risk of bacterial growth. It's essential to ensure that the slow cooker reaches a temperature of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours to avoid the risk of food poisoning. Slow cookers are not efficient at retaining heat and may take several hours to reach this safe cooking temperature. Using a meat thermometer is a good way to ensure that the meat reaches the recommended temperature. It's also advisable to brown the meat before placing it in the slow cooker for added safety. For thicker cuts of meat, using a pressure cooker or oven might be a better option, as they cook the meat faster and more thoroughly.
What is the safest way to use a slow cooker?
When asked about the safety of Crock-Pot's slow cookers, Friedman from Newell assured us that, "Crock-Pot slow cookers surpass all internal testing protocols and comply with all relevant industry safety standards and regulations, as confirmed by independent third-party testing labs."
Friedman further explained that the company's slow cookers operate at low current and low wattage, and are constructed of flame-resistant materials to reduce the risk of fire. You can confidently leave these products unattended, but keep in mind that they can become very hot to the touch.
To ensure the safety of your household and the longevity of your appliance, here are some additional precautions to bear in mind:
- Consult the instruction manual to ensure correct usage of your appliance.
- Only use a slow cooker on a flat and stable surface.
- Keep these devices out of reach of children and pets. Avoid allowing anything to come into contact with the exterior of your slow cooker while it is in use, as the high temperatures can cause melting or burning.
- Be cautious of the cord hanging off the edge of the countertop. A passerby could accidentally pull it, causing the slow cooker to fall and spill its hot contents.
- Refrain from exposing the stoneware bowl to extreme temperature changes, such as placing frozen meat in a heated bowl, as this can cause the bowl to crack or break.
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